St. Louis, Missouri.
I am thirteen years old. I came to New York from England, May 23, 1880, on the steam-ship City of Chester (Inman Line). We made a short trip of nine days and eight hours. I like this country very much, but sometimes wish myself back in the old home. I began to take your paper about two months ago. I think "The Cruise of the 'Ghost'" was a very instructive and interesting story, and I hope "Tim and Tip" will be more so. I like the Post-office Box very much, especially the puzzle column. I have made an effort to write an enigma myself, and have sent it with this letter.
Hugh P. W.
Freeport, Illinois.
We were very much gratified to see dear Mary's name among those who had sent answers to the tangles. The letter she wrote you in July was her last writing. She was taken sick the following Monday with malignant diphtheria, and before another Sabbath closed, her trusting heart was asleep in Jesus. His name was the last upon her lips. I wish that all who die could exercise her calm, unquestioning faith in Christ. The Thursday before she died, she looked eagerly in the puzzle department for her name. I explained again that it could not possibly be in for a week yet at least. "I wonder if they will publish my enigma, mamma? If I get well, I'll send that diamond I made up yesterday." On Wednesday she felt so well, and all day amused herself drawing birds and trees, and made a diamond and some-beheadings. She thought so much of Young People! She was a poor scribe, but her thoughts were very quaint, and expressed in the language of culture. She rarely made a grammatical error, and all things fine seemed natural to her. As we all grow interested in the little folks whose names fill your departments, I thought I would send you this notice that the dear bird who brightened our home for so brief a time, and who promised our hearts such lofty pleasure through her active mind and bright imaginings, will never on this earth sing for you again.
Mrs. E. C. Burchard.
From time to time in our great circle of readers, dear children, some drop from the ranks. Little Mary will never be forgotten in her earthly home, and those who loved her here will hope to meet her again where there is no death. We are glad she found so much pleasure in Young People.
New York.